San Quentin Garden Chapel Christian Fellowship has recently been fully accredited under Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. This occurred and became effective in the spring of 2007. This is a “Contextualized Leadership Development Curriculum” for the student with the desire to pursue a bachelor degree in theological studies. The degree can lead to a career in the ministry or in a faith based counseling field.
About 15 men San Quentin prisoners have taken, or currently are taking, several courses. One benefit of enrolling in the theological study classes is you can continue the studies on-line over the Internet when you leave San Quentin, if you’re not finished with all your classes. These are the type of classes that you need to apply for, by contacting Pastor Dr. Morris A. Curry in the chapel.
Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary was established in 1944 and has incorporated San Quentin’s North Bay School of Theology under their long-term successful program of turning out some exceptional missionaries, pastors, and people in various forms of ministries.
The main thing that I’ve especially enjoyed and found very satisfying was the high quality of the staff that has come inside prison walls to teach the classes. Dr. Duane Christensen has taught the Old Testament survey class from a Hebrew perspective. His knowledge and background are outstanding. He wrote the study materials we use. We are lucky to have such a high caliber education in a prison environment.